The contract was awarded by Abu Dhabi National Media Council (Abu Dhabi NMC), according to a statement issued by Arabtec Holding to Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

The UAE Pavilion has been designedto resemble a falcon in flight.

Arabtec will commence work on the project in July 2017, and the contract is scheduled to be delivered in Q4 2019.

The UAE Pavilion will be built on a 15,000m2 plot, and will boast a total built-up area of 19,200m2. The structure will feature a 2,000m2 upper floor, while a 662m2 mezzanine, a plaza level, and related facilities will be spread across a 3,000m2 area. The project’s 13,300m2 ground level will include a garden and a car park.

The project will be situated opposite Al Wasl Plaza in the centre of Expo 2020’s 4.38km2 exhibition area.

Minister of State and National Media Council chairman Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “The proposed design of the UAE Pavilion captures the story we want to tell the world about our nation. Our late founding father His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan used falconry expeditions to forge connections between tribes and to create a distinct national identity which ultimately led to the founding of the UAE.

“Now, the falcon design will symbolise how we are connecting the UAE to the minds of the world and how as a global community we can soar to new heights through partnership and cooperation.”